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Deaths in Abu Sayyaf arrest bid

Gunbattle erupts after Manila's military tries to arrest three Abu Sayyaf commanders.

21 Sep 2009 08:53 GMT

The Philippine army receives much of its training from US military advisors and support staff [AFP]

Kidnap and murder

The rebel commanders, Isnilon Hapilon, Albader Parad and Umbra Jumdail, are wanted by Washington and Manila on kidnapping and murder charges.

The US had offered a $5 million reward for Hapilon, who was indicted in the US for alleged involvement in terrorist acts against Americans and others in the Philippines, as well as lesser rewards for the capture of the two other commanders.

The Abu Sayyaf, which has about 400 fighters, has been blamed for numerous bombings, beheadings and kidnappings of Filipinos and foreigners.

Intelligence reports showed that 40 men under Hapilon arrived on Jolo on Saturday night from nearby Basilan island, Dolorfino said.